About Council #9053
Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882
Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.
The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.
Officers and Directors
SK Kenneth Hidenfelter
Grand Knight
2024-2025
| OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053 | 2024-2025 OFFICERS |
|---|---|
| Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin | 410-289-0652 |
| Grand Knight, SK Kenneth Hidenfelter | 410-703-2623 |
| Deputy Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
| Chancellor, Chuck Lutz | 410-208-3065 |
| Warden, SK Wayne Straight | 302-988-1683 |
| Recorder, Chris Bean | 301-440-0865 |
| Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard | 952-807-3239 |
| Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Lecturer, David Dancer | 240-506-7857 |
| Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn | 301-461-3660 |
| Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox | 443-966-2200 |
| TRUSTEES | |
| 3 Yr ? SK Thomas Herwig | 410-960-9019 |
| 2 Yr ? SK Charles O?Brien | 302-988-1498 |
| 1 Yr ? SK Deacon Joseph Carraro | 410-250-8237 |
| CONVENTION DELEGATES | |
| SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, GK | 410-703-2623 |
| SK Thomas Herwig, FN, PGK | 410-960-9019 |
| Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN | 302-988-1863 |
| Alt. Delegate, | Open |
| Exemplification Team Captain | Open |
| CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS | |
|---|---|
| Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson | 410-641-5752 |
| Charity Committee Chairman, Open | Open |
| Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook | 302-604-2694 |
| Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig | 410-960-9019 |
| Computer Specialist, John Rubino | 301-938-9239 |
| Family Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
| Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8946 |
| Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Membership Director, Jack Kelly | 410-258-5663 |
| Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8956 |
| Program Director, John-Paolo Celozzi | 443-859-7666 |
| Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Retention Director, Jack Kelly | 410-258-5663 |
| Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz | 410-208-3065 |
| Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga | 443-220-5286 |
| Youth Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
Welcome from the Grand Knight...
My name is Ken Hidenfelter, I am the Grand Knight of Council 9053 Ocean City MD. In the
Knights of Columbus organization, each council has a Grand Knight, similar to a company CEO.
There are thirteen Officers that ensure that we are true to our core values of Charity, Unity, and
Fraternity. I joined the Knights because a friend invited me. It was not just the invitation but what
he said: “as a Knight I would be part of something greater than myself”. As a Catholic man with
a family of three children I was doing all the right things, but something was missing in my
spiritual life. I did not have a group of friends with the same Catholic values and parenting
beliefs. What I found after I became a Knight was a group of men with like values and morals,
who cared about the Church, family, and our country. I met men who had different backgrounds,
age differences, and different family experiences. Looking back, I wished I had joined the
Knights earlier in my life. I would have had a group that would have given me support in
Catholic parenting and marriage. The charitable fundraising activities answered my internal
search of how I can answer Jesus’s call to help those in need and less fortunate then myself.
My charity effort along with the men in the Council is a multiplier in Charity giving. The
fellowship I experience with my fellow Knights is rewarding. As you surf our website, maybe you
will find areas that interest you or fill a need that you have been searching for. It is easy, send a
note to talk to a brother or click on the join button. You will be amazed at the changes that will
happen in your life, God Bless.
Weekly Update from the Grand Knight
13 January 2025
Worthy Brothers and friends,
What a week last week was… If you are old enough or a movie buff, you may remember the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Well that was what last week looked like to me as The Ocean City Knights stood still. I hope you were safe and shoveling the snow did not result in any tired muscles.
An error on my part, last week, was the fact that the Assembly has always taken the lead on the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Brothers Richard and Wayne have the lead.
This week, a big event occurs for the Lady Knights and their charity fundraiser: BINGO for Babies. Please pray for their success as all proceeds go to the Grace Center.
Due to the weather last week the joint meeting of the Council and the Assembly was canceled; the presentation by Retired Captain Sharon Ruest will be rescheduled. There will be no council or assembly meetings this month. If you have an issue that you want to obtain clarity on, or want the Brothers to hear about, please contact me and I will take the action to resolve the issue or send out a note.
As always, check out the website for the latest information (koc9053.com). The following is a quick review of what is coming up in the near term:
– Rosary, 10:00AM, Thursday 16 Jan
– Judging the “Keep Christ in Christmas” posters, Hall after Rosary 16 Jan
– Lady Knights BINGO for Babies Luncheon (Grace Center) Jan 15, 10:30 AM
– Council INGO Friday 17 Jan 5:30, Team 3 (BINGO starts @ 6:30pm)
– 4th Degree Exemplification, 12:30 PM Saturday 18 Jan
– Breakfast, 8:30 -> 11:30, Sunday 19 Jan
Long range Planning:
– Richie Thomas Memorial, 12:00 PM, Saturday 15 Feb
– Joe Gangi Memorial, 12:00 PM, Saturday 22 Feb [NOTE TIME CHANGE TO 12:00PM]
Vivat Jesus
Ken Hidenfelter Grand Knight
Lord, what can WE do today!
Knights’ motto: Make a difference in someone’s life
Events for January
Communications
The council meeting minutes are now available for viewing on our website. We encourage community members to regularly check the Council Meeting Minutes section to stay informed and engaged.
The Knight Times is now available for viewing on our website. This digital access allows residents to stay connected and well informed about local events, council decisions, and community developments.
Upcoming Events
Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.
LAOH Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Meeting – Tue. Jan. 21
Next Council Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.
Joint Council and Assembly Meeting
The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:
9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.
Contact Us
We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.
Additional Contact Information
If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:
Location
9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842
Phone
(410) 524-7994
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Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference
The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!